On September 17, 2008 at 9:15 a.m local time attackers dressed as policemen, armed with rocket-propelled grenades, automatic rifles, grenades, and several vehicle bombs, attacked the outer security ring at the entrance of the main gate of the embassy from a car. Yemeni security force battled against the attackers in a 20-minute firefight which resulted in 6 Yemeni security force killed, 6 attackers killed, and 7 civilians killed.
The Islamic Jihad of Yemen, an al-Qaeda sympathizer, has claimed responsibility for the attacks, motivated to terrorize the embassy to pressure the release of some extremist muslim prisoners. The group also threatened future attacks against other embassies, including those of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the United Kingdom.
The Islamic Jihad of Yemen, an al-Qaeda sympathizer, has claimed responsibility for the attacks, motivated to terrorize the embassy to pressure the release of some extremist muslim prisoners. The group also threatened future attacks against other embassies, including those of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the United Kingdom.